Free To Catch A Fallen Spy (Brethren of the Coast Book 8) by Barbara Devlin Page B

partiality for roses?” In light of his magnanimous gesture, she vowed not to lose her temper, but his behavior confused her. Whatever she expected, his indifference conflicted with her suppositions, and she did not appreciate it.
    “My dear Lady Elaine, I did what any self-respecting, highly trained agent of the Corps would do.” In that moment, he grinned, and she forgot what troubled her. “I asked your cousin.”
    “And Lance encouraged you in your pursuit?” In a furtive move, she pinched herself again, just to ensure she was awake and fully compos mentis .
    “Indeed.” Ross nodded, and her heart sang with unabashed joy. “In fact, it was his idea to welcome me into your family.”
    “Really?” A wave of emotion blanketed Elaine, as fate granted her most coveted wish. Just then, the music stopped, and she clutched Ross’s hand. “Can we take a walk in the garden, as I desperately want to be alone with you?”
    “No.” To her frustration, he situated her at his side and led her to the back wall, where the Brethren gathered. “You should join the ladies, and talk about whatever you talk about.”
    “Why not?” A quick scan of the vicinity yielded a few prospective meeting spots perfect for a hasty tryst. “Please, I want to celebrate our new arrangement with a kiss.”
    “That is out of the question, because everyone watches us.” The refusal struck her as odd, given he never objected in the past, when they were not courting. “Go, and I shall collect you once the dinner bell rings.”
    Rebuffed, she entered the circle of her most trusted allies and bumped Rebecca. “I am confused, sister.”
    “In light of recent revelations, I am shocked by your confusion.” The former spy arched a brow. “So how goes it with Sir Ross?”
    “Oh, do tell, Elaine.” Sabrina clucked her tongue. “Is it everything you envisioned, or does the secret agent surpass the realm of fantasy?”
    “Well, I am not sure.” In silence, she mulled his rejection, which still stung. “Does romance addle a man’s brain? Does it make him behave in ways that confound and defy explanation?”
    “That is putting it mildly.” Cara rolled her eyes. “But, in all fairness, since my marriage to Lance, I am convinced the male sex operates in a state of utter befuddlement, when it comes to their heart.”
    “And it is no small wonder they have come this far.” With a shrug, Caroline shook her head. “The longer I have shared my life with Trevor, the more I am persuaded to infer that humanity owes the sum of its existence to women.”
    “I concur.” Alex glanced over her shoulder. “Men know four modes of survival: eat, sleep, fight, and make love.”
    “With food and sex taking priority,” asserted Daphne. “And even then, Dalton can go an entire day without the former but never the latter.”
    “Agreed.” Lenore snickered. “The Brethren are of singular intent.”
    “Perhaps, that is why we love them.” Rebecca compressed her lips, and the refined collective burst into laughter.
    “All right.” Elaine pressed her palm to her belly. “If I might broach a personal query, Caroline and Alex excepted, as we know of their individual difficulties preceding their nuptials, how much is too much, in regard to physical relations prior to the wedding?” She gazed at the remaining wives. “How much did you indulge your swains during courtship?” Then Elaine drew up short. “Or have I overstepped the limits of familial confidence?”
    “Nonsense.” Rebecca snorted. “Women have engaged in such topics since creation, I suspect. But no one knows what goes on behind closed doors, and we never betray each other’s secrets.” She peered from side to side and inched near. “Dirk and I consummated our relationship before we spoke the vows, and if I had it to do over again, I would change nothing.”
    “Blake insisted we wait.” Lenore cast a half-smile. “But he made up for lost time as soon as the vicar pronounced us